Health Benefits
of Chromium

Chromium Polynicotinate

Chromium nicotinate (chromium polynicotinate) is a trace mineral that helps metabolize carbohydrates.

The average diet lacks chromium. In fact, only 1 in 10 Americans has an adequate amount of chromium.

Four reasons for this:

1. The body does not easily absorb food sources of chromium (only 0.4 to 2.5 percent is absorbed).

2. People don't eat enough chromium rich foods (raw onions, romaine lettuce, ripe tomatoes, oyesters).

3. Food processing
   destroys chromium.

4. Too much refined sugar depletes
   chromium from the body.

Chromium for Diabetes

Chromium helps maintain proper blood sugar levels in the body. This is particularly important for people with diabetes or hypoglycemia.

Researchers estimate that 2 out of 3 people are hypoglycemic, pre-hypoglycemic, or diabetic. In today’s world, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is difficult. People face:

• a lack of chromium in the soil

• a lack of chromium in the water

• the temptation to eat refined white sugar, flour, and junk foods

NOTE: Additional chromium is also needed in pregnant women as the developing fetus needs this mineral. Supplemental chromium can help expectant mothers maintain blood sugar levels.

Chromium and Depression

According to a study done by researchers at Cornell University, chromium provides major relief for depression. As stated above, many people lack even a basic level of chromium.

Correcting this dietary imbalance in the body often triggers a shift in mood. Trials published in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice confirmed that chromium is an effective anti-depressant.

Chromium seems to particularly alleviate appetite-related symptoms of depression. Often, people suffering from depression often have "irrepressible cravings" for sweets and starches.

Chromium Supplements Info

Chromium supplements come in 3 forms---chromium chloride, chromium nicotinate, and chromium picolinate. Chromium nicotinate (also called GTF) is the best absorbed because it's niacin-bound.

Since this mineral is so hard to get from food, it's a good idea to get supplemental chromium. Most multi-nurient supplements contain it.